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Archive for September, 2013

September 15 (El Grito de Dolores) is a civic holiday so certain businesses in Tijuana may be closed. September 16 (Dia de la Independencia) is a federal holiday.

In Tijuana a large celebration will occur at 11pm on September 15, at the Monumental la Raza (Tijeras) near Plaza Rio on Paseo de los Heroes and Av Independencia. This location is only a five minute taxi ride from the San Ysidro / El Chaparral border crossing.

A call to revolt (El Grito) by the Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo, was made shortly before dawn on September 16, 1810. The uprising brought the indigenous indians and mixed mestizo groups against the Spanish military and helped change the face of the already on-going fight for independence. This occurred in the village of Dolores, Guanajuato. El Grito has become emblematic of Mexican independence.

Each year on the night of September 15, the President of Mexico rings the bell of the National Palace in Mexico City. He repeats a cry of patriotism from the balcony of the palace to the assembled crowd in the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the largest public plazas in the world. This event draws up to half a million spectators. Local politicians such as the Mayor or Governor will also ring a bell and offer the traditional saying. President Calderón is expected to officiate the Grito in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato as part of the bicentennial celebrations in 2010. Similar celebrations occur across Mexico.

September 16 is Independence Day in Mexico and is considered a patriotic holiday, or fiesta patria (literally, holiday of the Fatherland).

The festival is a cultural event because its main focus is on educating visitors about the types of Tequila in Mexico. Participants will have the opportunity to taste dozens different Tequilas from different parts of the Tequila region. Other national beverages will be available for tasting as well. The festival will also have music, stage shows and a drawing for prizes.

The festival location is a 15 minute walk from the San Ysidro border crossing or a 5 minute taxi ride.